Custom Storage, a Bold Mix of Patterns, and Colorful Furniture Make This Shared Home Ultra Livable

Designer’s name: Ahmad Abouzanat of Project AZ
Location: Chelsea, New York
Type of home: Condo
Size: 1365 square feet
Years lived in: Clients have rented for 3 years

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: The tenants are two best friends: one with a very functional approach and the second who loves colors, patterns, and all things modern ’70s and ’80s. As the designer on the job, it was great to work on a project where both elements are equally important. The main works were in the living room/dining and upstairs bedroom on the top floor, where we had to change all the furniture and give the space a new life and a new look.

We did a custom TV unit for the wall—one that stands out—and that holds some of their many figurines and books. We did the same in the upstairs bedroom. The influence of both roommates sharing the apartment is mostly visible in the selection of bold colors that are placed against white walls, allowing us to introduce bold statements everywhere.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Modern ’70s and ’80s vibe, colorful yet functional.

What is your favorite room and why? The living room, as the modular sofa allows for hosting more people; one thing that the client used to do all the time. They threw reality show viewing parties, movies nights, hosted events, etc. Now with the shelter-in-place, I received a message thanking me for how great the space is and what a pleasure for them to use it and be able to appreciate the major changes in aesthetic that were achieved.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Go for what you like, it’s your home and it has to be a place that makes you happy. For this client, it’s colors and artwork collected from travels and plastered everywhere.

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.